BRAZZAVILLE: A cargo plan crashed at Brazzaville airport as it was trying to land in a storm Friday, killing around 20 residents and the crew, emergency services and witnesses said.

The Ilyushin plane, registered with local company Aero-services, was flying in from the western port city of Pointe Noire. The crew, numbering three or four people, are thought to have died in the ensuing fire.

A journalist at the scene said the crash happened during a violent storm. The plane couldn't brake hard enough and left the runway, crushing 15 or so dwellings including a bar, before crashing into a ravine and catching fire.

Two hours after the crash, firefighters were still scouring the wreckage to look for victims. Although the plane was to carry freight, they sometimes also carry people other than the crew.